Chapter 12
Edmund POV
It had been more than a few minutes, and I was still standing there, shirtless, arm stretched out, while Amelia stared between ne and the flower as if her mind couldn’t quite process what she was seeing
‘d known the gesture was bold, maybe I’d even gone a bit overboard, but I hadn’t expected this kind of silence. I thought he’d smile, maybe even blush the way she used to when I surprised her years ago. After all, she had once told me back when we were married how much she loved the Juliet rose, though she could never imagine spending so much money on just a lower.
Instead, she just stared.
My hand is starting to go numb here, Amelia,” I said lightly, trying to break the tension. My voice seemed to snap her out of
her trance.
Her eyes flicked to mine. “Is that… is that a Juliet rose?”
‘Yes,” I said with a soft chuckle. “I thought that part was obvious. Hence that cute shock on your face.”
‘Why on earth would you get me a Juliet rose?” she asked, her tone sharper now, but I caught the crack in her voice.
‘Because I remember,” I replied simply. I took a small step closer, lowering my hand slightly but not letting go of the flower. ‘You told me once how much you loved it. You also told me the price was ridiculous. So I got it as a reminder that time may pass, distance may keep us apart, but the heart… the heart never forgets.”
Our eyes locked. For a moment, the world outside that room didn’t exist. No hospital walls, no years of silence, no pain between us. Just us.
The pounding headache I’d woken up with seemed to vanish. Even the ache in my ribs dulled to nothing. All I could feel was the pull, the invisible current tying me to her, the same one that had never let me go no matter how hard I tried.
Before I could stop myself, my free hand reached out and cupped her chin. She gasped softly at the contact, her skin warm beneath my fingers. And there it was, the spark, the same electric charge I’d felt the first time I kissed her.
I set the rose gently on the table, never breaking eye contact. My gaze lingered on her lips, soft and parted just slightly. God. I’d missed that mouth, the sweetness of it, the way it could silence every storm inside me.
I leaned down slowly, giving her time, searching her eyes for hesitation. Her lashes fluttered, and then–she closed her eyes. Her lips parted, waiting.
And just as I was a breath away from tasting her again, she shoved me.
‘Ahh-“I groaned as my side hit the edge of the table. The jolt of pain radiated through my ribs, sharp but nothing compared to the sting in my chest.
Her eyes widened. She rushed forward. “I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to push you that hard.”
I forced a smile, though the pain still burned. “It’s fine. I’m fine.”
She stepped back quickly, as if putting distance between us would erase what almost happened. Her voice turned firm once again, professional. “Please, on the bed, sir.”
I scoffed under my breath, grabbing my shirt from the table and pulling it over my shoulders. “Really?”
1/3
3:54 pm P p M M
Chapter 12
“Mr. Montgomery. I don’t have all day,” she pressed, folding her arms. “Another doctor could walk in at any moment. If you want me to do this, then get on the table now.”
I smirked, but it held no humor. “I didn’t come here to be checked, Amelia. You know damn well I didn’t.”
Her eyes flared, a mix of anger and something else she tried to hide. “Then why the hell did you come?”
“I came here because I wanted to see you!” I snapped, my voice a bit louder than I intended.
Almost instantly, I regretted the fact that I’d yelled at her, followed by a throbbing pain that exploded across my skull. I winced, pressing my fingers to my temple.
“Here.”
Her voice was softer now. I blinked and found her standing right in front of me, holding out two ibuprofen tablets and a bottle of water. For a moment, I just stared at her hand. The way she used to look after me when no one else did. Steady. Patient.
I took them without saying a word, tossed the pills into my mouth, and swallowed them with a large gulp of water.
“Thanks,” I muttered, barely loud enough to hear myself.
She leaned against the edge of the table, her arms folded, eyes never leaving me. “What are you doing, Edmund?” she asked quietly, almost like she was afraid of the answer. “You’re married. For heaven’s sake.”
Her words cut deeper than I thought it would. But I couldn’t care less about Victoria right now.
“Well,” I said slowly, meeting her gaze, “if I wasn’t married…. would you give us a chance?”
She let out a laugh, but it wasn’t from joy. It was bitter, heavy, like the sound of someone who was trying to push away the ache that they felt in their chest.
She shook her head. “Edmund, please. Just stop.”
I leaned forward, maybe a bit too desperately. “Then how about dinner? That’s all I’m asking. Just dinner. As friends. Nothing more. For now.”
Her teeth caught her bottom lip, and she looked away, torn. I could see the battle flickering across her face, the part of her that wanted to say yes warring with the part that said not- screamed that it was wrong.
“I don’t think I want to start this… whatever this is,” she whispered. “I mean, what will your wife think?”
And then, just like that, the moment shattered.
The door swung open, and the CFO walked in, another doctor trailing behind her.
“Mr. Montgomery,” the CFO said with a polite smile, though she threw a sharp gaze at Amelia. “I heard you were around, and I figured I’d find you here. Though it is rather strange that Dr. Amelia is still in the office when she was supposed to clock out an hour ago. And if I’m not mistaken, your appointment wasn’t scheduled until two weeks from now.”
“I convinced her to assess me before she left,” I said smoothly, keeping my tone even. “I wasn’t feeling too good, so I decided to just hop in and get checked.”
The CFO nodded. “Well, if that’s the case, Dr. Andrea can take care of you.”
“No.” I cut in firmly, glancing at Amelia. “I’ll just stick with Dr. Amelia here.”
2/3
154 pm ppm M
Cheapler 19
The CFO’s smile didici falter. That’s fine. Your comfort is our priority”
And just like that, an idles truck me. A hold one, maybe reckless, but the kind I couldn’t resist
“That’s true.” I said, ondding thoughtfully. “On that note, it wouldn’t be too much to request that Dr. Amelia becomes my personal doctor until I’m fully heated, woudd it”
The CFO’s brows lifted slightly. “Personal doctor?”
“Yes” 1 leaned back casually, as if it were the most natural suggestion in the world, trying not to rouse suspicion. She can come by my home twice a week for checkups. That way, I don’t have to keep dragging myself back here every time I feel off It saves time, keeps me comfortable.” I let my words linger a beat, then added with a slow smile, and I’ll make sure a generous donation is made to the hospital. That way, everyone wins.”
The moment the word “donation” left my mouth, the CFO’s expression brightened like a child who’d just been promised candy. His professional smile widened into something more eager.
“Well,” he said warmly, “if that’s what you prefer, we’ll certainly make it happen. What days would you like her scheduled for?”
I didn’t even hesitate. “Tuesdays and Fridays will be perfect.”
“Consider it done,” he replied, already sounding satisfied with the arrangement,
I turned to Amelia then, and if looks could kill, I would’ve been six feet under. Her eyes burned with silent anger, her lips pressed tightly together as if she was holding back every curse word in the book.
I smirked to myself, the corner of my mouth tugging upward. God, I loved riling her up. Even angry, she was breathtaking.
Just wait and see Amelia. I’m not letting you go,, Not this time.__
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
